Leaving your furry family member in someone else’s care for the first time can be nerve-wracking. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a two-week trip, trusting a new person with your pet — and your home — is a big step. But the good news? With the right sitter and a little preparation, the experience can be not only smooth, but surprisingly comforting for both you and your pet.
Professional pet sitting offers something kennels or boarding facilities often can’t: familiar surroundings, individualized attention, and peace of mind. This guide walks you through exactly what to expect — from your first consultation to coming home to a happy, relaxed companion.
🐕 Why Choose a Pet Sitter Instead of Boarding?
When you’re planning travel, one of the biggest questions is: “Should I board my pet or hire a sitter?”
While boarding kennels can be fine for some pets, they often involve shared spaces, limited playtime, and exposure to other animals. Many dogs and cats experience anxiety in unfamiliar environments. Pet sitting, on the other hand, allows your animal to stay in their own home — surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, and scents.
Top Benefits of In-Home Pet Sitting:
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Less stress for your pet: Routine stays consistent — same bed, same walk routes, same feeding schedule.
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Reduced health risks: No exposure to kennel cough, fleas, or other pets’ illnesses.
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Personalized care: Your sitter tailors every visit to your pet’s needs — from medication to belly rubs.
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Home security: Someone is regularly checking mail, lights, plants, and keeping your home looking “lived in.”
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Peace of mind: You’ll receive photo updates and messages each day, so you never wonder how your pet is doing.
If this is your first time hiring a pet sitter, you’ll likely be surprised how quickly it becomes your new favorite way to travel worry-free.
🗓 Step 1: Finding the Right Pet Sitter
The first step is finding someone you trust completely. Look for professional, insured sitters with experience caring for your type of pet — dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, etc.
Here’s what to look for:
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Experience: How long have they been sitting? Do they have reviews or testimonials?
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Training: Pet first-aid certification, animal-behavior training, or vet-tech background.
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Insurance & bonding: Protects both you and the sitter in case of accidents or emergencies.
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Communication: A good sitter offers prompt responses and daily updates.
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Connection with your pet: During the meet-and-greet, observe your pet’s reaction. The best sitters make them feel comfortable right away.
If you’re in Marietta, East Cobb, or nearby, local companies like Lezlie’s Pet Sitting specialize in repeat clients and long-term trust relationships — not gig-based, one-off visits.
🐾 Step 2: The Meet-and-Greet
Once you’ve found a sitter you like, schedule an in-home consultation — often called a meet-and-greet. This is one of the most important parts of the process.
Here’s what typically happens:
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Introductions: You, your pet, and the sitter meet face-to-face.
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Routine review: You’ll walk through feeding times, walk schedules, medications, and preferences.
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Home tour: The sitter learns where supplies, leashes, food, and cleaning items are stored.
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Emergency info: You’ll provide your vet’s contact details and an emergency plan.
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Key or access setup: Discuss entry method (key, lockbox, or smart door code).
Pro Tip: Take note of how your pet responds during this visit. Are they curious, relaxed, or cautious? Pets often pick up on your comfort level — so staying calm and positive helps them feel safe.
🐈 Step 3: Preparing for Your Trip
Before you leave, take a little time to prepare your home and your pet’s environment. It helps your sitter do their best work — and gives you total peace of mind.
Pet Care Essentials:
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Stock enough food, treats, litter, and medications for the entire trip (plus a little extra).
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Label all items clearly.
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Write out detailed feeding, walking, and play instructions — even if you’ve discussed them.
Home Prep Checklist:
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Leave emergency contacts, vet information, and your travel itinerary.
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Test your spare key or entry code.
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Set out cleaning supplies and waste bags in plain sight.
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Adjust thermostats, timers, or blinds to your preference.
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Inform your security company or building manager that a sitter will be visiting.
Many first-time clients also leave a note that says something like:
“Welcome! Thanks for caring for Luna and Theo this week — they eat at 7 AM and 6 PM. Feel free to relax on the couch if you’d like company during visits!”
Little personal touches go a long way toward creating a smooth experience.
📸 Step 4: While You’re Away — What to Expect
During your trip, your sitter will typically follow the schedule you agreed upon — such as 30-minute visits twice a day or overnight stays.
Here’s what you can expect during your first pet-sitting experience:
🐾 Daily Check-Ins
Most professional sitters send updates with photos or videos after each visit. You’ll know if your dog ate, walked, or played, and how your cat’s mood was that day. Some even use GPS check-in apps for full transparency.
🐶 Consistent Routines
Your pet’s schedule will mirror their normal day: feeding, walking, medications, and playtime at familiar intervals. This consistency keeps anxiety low.
🐕🦺 Extra Attention
Professional sitters take time to play, brush, or cuddle as appropriate. Many pets bond quickly with their new caregiver — a good sign you made the right choice!
🏡 Home Care
In addition to pet duties, sitters can bring in mail, water plants, rotate lights, and ensure your home stays safe and tidy.
💬 Step 5: Communication Is Everything
The hallmark of a great sitter — and a positive first experience — is excellent communication. Before you leave, decide how often and through what platform you’d like updates (text, email, app notifications).
Ask your sitter to:
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Send a short message after each visit.
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Include photos or short videos.
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Notify you right away about any unusual behavior or accidents.
For instance:
“Hi! Just checked on Bella — she finished her dinner, had her evening walk, and is snoozing on the couch. Here’s a photo!”
Knowing your pet is happy lets you actually enjoy your time away.
🐾 Step 6: Coming Home
When you return, you’ll usually find a pet report card or written summary from your sitter. This might include notes about feeding, playtime, or anything your sitter noticed (like changes in appetite or behavior).
Take a moment to observe your pet:
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Are they calm and content?
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Eating normally?
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Acting like their usual self?
A smooth transition home means your sitter did an excellent job keeping their routine consistent.
Many first-time clients say their pet seems less stressed after pet sitting than after boarding — often eating better and adjusting faster once you’re home.
💡 Tips for a Perfect First Experience
1. Start Small
If you’re nervous, book your sitter for a short trial visit before your full trip — maybe an overnight stay or a weekend. It helps both you and your pet adjust.
2. Leave Contact Information
Make sure your sitter knows how to reach you (and a backup contact) in case of emergencies.
3. Keep Routines Familiar
Try to maintain your pet’s normal diet, schedule, and sleeping area. Consistency is key for comfort.
4. Be Honest About Quirks
Tell your sitter everything — even the silly things. If your dog hates thunderstorms, or your cat hides during vacuuming, they’ll know how to adapt.
5. Say Thank You!
A small note or tip shows appreciation and helps build a long-term relationship. Most pet sitters genuinely love what they do — gratitude means the world.
❤️ The Emotional Side: Trust and Peace of Mind
For first-time clients, hiring a pet sitter is about more than logistics — it’s about trust. You’re inviting someone into your home and asking them to care for a family member.
A great sitter understands that responsibility and treats your pets as their own. Once you experience the reassurance of receiving updates, coming home to a relaxed pet, and seeing that everything went perfectly, you’ll realize just how valuable professional pet sitting is.
Most pet parents who try it once never go back to boarding again.
📍 Local Pet Sitting in Marietta, East Cobb, and Greater Atlanta
If you’re in the Marietta, East Cobb, Smyrna, or Kennesaw area, local professional pet sitting services like Lezlie’s Pet Sitting specialize in:
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Daily drop-in visits
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Dog walking
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Overnight and vacation sitting
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Multi-pet households
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Medication administration
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Holiday bookings (book early!)
Each sitter is background-checked, insured, and experienced — giving you the confidence to travel without worry.
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🐕 Final Thoughts: Your First Time Won’t Be Your Last
The first time using a pet sitter can feel like a big leap of faith — but with a professional, it quickly becomes one of the easiest parts of planning a trip. You’ll enjoy your time away knowing your pets are in loving hands, following their routine, and sleeping soundly in their own beds.
With each update you receive, you’ll see your decision was the right one. And when you walk back through the door to a happy, wagging tail or a purring greeting, you’ll know exactly who to call next time.
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